The LORD has founded Zion,
and in her
the afflicted of His people
find refuge.
(Isaiah 14:32b)
By Your wise and loving design there is refuge for me, O Lord, within the community of all who believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me recognize and receive as a gift the fellowship of faith. Grant that I not only draw from its strength but also, for the blessing of others, contribute to its livelihood. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Therefore I tell you,
do not be anxious about your life,
what you will eat or what you will drink,
nor about your body,
what you will put on.
Is not life more than food,
and the body more than clothing?
(Matthew 6:25)
Life is so much more than eating and drinking, holy Creator, and the body is so much more than clothing. By Your Spirit free me from worry about physical provision and lead me to honor with thanksgiving and trust Your daily gifts of bodily and spiritual health and wealth. I ask this through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
“Heaven and earth will pass away,
but My words will not pass away.”
(Mark 13:31)
When nothing else seems permanent or reliable, Lord Jesus, strengthen me in the eternal truthfulness of Your gospel. Open my ears to hear Your words, my soul to believe them, my will to obey them, and my mouth to repeat them so that others, too, will know and follow You. Amen.
And I heard a voice saying to me,
“Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
But I said, “By no means, Lord;
for nothing common or unclean
has ever entered my mouth.”
(Acts 11:7-8)
Spirit of faith, wield Your heart-changing strength to overpower within me everything that resists the voice of God. Free me from slavery to any notions of piety that, however well-intended, cut me off from mission-focused servanthood to Christ and the people He died to save. I pray this in His name. Amen.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
[O LORD,]
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of all my distresses.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sin.
(Psalm 25:16-18)
The troubles of my heart seem to grow heavier each day, Lord Jesus. I live in an age that oppresses faith and discipleship, and I know that my own sinfulness contributes to the world’s turmoil. Hold me close to Your heart and restore me to joy by assuring me of the forgiveness You won for me by nails and thorns. Amen.
And [Jesus] was in the wilderness forty days,
being tempted by Satan.
And He was with the wild animals,
and the angels were ministering to Him.
(Mark 1:13)
Tempted yet triumphant, You know, Lord Jesus, how lonely and perilous life can be. You know the ferocity of foes and the danger of demons. Remind me daily that You are with me and are surrounding me with angels to support me as in these wild times I strive to lead a life that points the world to You. Amen.
“O LORD, God of our fathers,
are You not God in heaven?
You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.
In Your hand are power and might,
so that none is able to withstand You.”
(2 Chronicles 20:6)
You rule in power and might over all the kingdoms of nations, O Lord God, Father in heaven, rule in love over my heart and mind. By Your Spirit turn all my doings to Your glory, and grant that with every thought, word, and deed, I make the grace of Your Son Jesus real in the lives of others. Amen.
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